Swallow's Nest is a unique architectural monument of the southern coast of Crimea, located on the top of Cape Ai-Todor in the village of Gaspra. The mysterious pseudo-Gothic castle rises picturesquely at an altitude of 40 m above sea level. It is the center of attraction for both numerous tourists and locals.
History of origin
Initially, the Swallow's Nest was a wooden structure that was erected in the 70s. XIX century. The building acquired its modern recognizable appearance only in 1912 thanks to the engineer and sculptor Leonid Sherwood. The Russian oil industrialist P. L. Shteingel, who at that time owned the nearby land, wanted to give his land a look similar to the medieval one. Subsequently, the castle was bought by a Moscow merchant, who organized a restaurant there. In 1927, part of the castle collapsed into the sea, making it unsafe for use. In the 60s. XX century, the building was restored. After that, the Swallow's Nest began to be considered the hallmark of the southern coast of Crimea. In 2015. after the reunification of the peninsula with Russia, it was given the status of a cultural heritage site.
Swallow's nest today
Today the Palace-Castle again requires a thorough restoration. Despite the fact that work should have begun in 2017, it is an architectural and exhibition complex. Both in private and in the form of a guided tour, you can get acquainted with the current exhibitions. But most tourists are attracted mainly not by what is inside the building, but by the magnificent views that open up around. The captivating Black Sea, the Sail rock and the silhouette of the Bear Mountain can hardly leave anyone indifferent. Due to the curved shapes of the observation deck, it is convenient to photograph the Swallow's Nest from different angles. Here you can also buy a variety of souvenirs with the image of the castle, as well as soft drinks and ice cream. However, not everyone knows that there is another interesting attraction nearby, namely the Wish Tree. Climbing the steps to him, you can tie a ribbon for good luck and make a wish. They say that if a wish is made from the bottom of the heart, then it will certainly come true.
How to get there
The exact address where Laschkino's nest is located: Republic of Crimea, Yalta, town. Gaspra, Alupkinskoe highway 9A.
The most convenient way to get to it is either from Yalta itself, or from nearby villages. From almost any significant point on the southern coast of Crimea, you can join an excursion group and take a special bus that will take tourists to this attraction. If you go from Yalta on your own, you can choose one of two routes: # 102 - from the Yalta Bus Station or # 132 - from the Clothing Market. The architectural monument is 800 m away from the bus stop. To get to it, you will need to overcome 1200 steps. Also in the summer you can from the pier of the Embankment. Lenin, take a boat and get to the castle by sea.
Schedule and cost of attendance
According to information from the official website, depending on the season, the Swallow's Nest is open for visits: from November to May - from 10:00 to 16:00 (Monday is a day off), and from May to October - from 10:00 to 19:00 (seven days a week). The cost of visiting the castle: adults - 200 rubles, children - 100 rubles. You can go to the nearby territory (observation deck and to the wish tree) free of charge.
